British prime minister David Cameron's father died today after falling ill while on holiday in France, Downing Street said.
Mr Cameron had flown to his 77-year-old father Ian's hospital bedside after the former stockbroker suffered a stroke and heart problems.
"It is with deep regret we can confirm that Ian Cameron died earlier this afternoon. He passed away shortly after the prime minister arrived at the hospital in France where he was undergoing treatment," Mr Cameron's office said in a statement.
The prime minister’s spokesman said Ian Cameron’s death was not believed to be connected to any previously-existing medical condition. He and his wife Mary were halfway through a two-week holiday when he suffered a stroke and heart complications.
He was taken to a hospital near Toulon last night, where Mr Cameron rushed to see him after being informed of the situation at 6am this morning.
The prime minister was accompanied by brother Alex and sister Clare on the commercial flight from London’s City airport.
Downing Street said French president Nicolas Sarkozy had intervened to arrange a helicopter to rush Mr Cameron from the airport to the hospital so he could see his father.
Mr Cameron, who took office in May, said his father had been an inspiration to him.
Ian Cameron overcame the handicap of being born with both legs deformed and went on to become a successful stock broker.
"My father is a huge hero figure for me," Mr Cameron said in an interview in March. "He is an amazingly brave man because he was born with no heels - quite a disability.
"But the glass with him was half-full, normally with something alcoholic. I think I got my sense of optimism from him," he added.
Mr Cameron was forced to miss a prime minister's question and answer session in parliament today, with his Liberal Democrat coalition partner and deputy Nick Clegg standing in for him.
He had only just returned to work after taking time off following the birth of daughter Florence two weeks ago. She was David and Samantha Cameron's fourth child. Their son Ivan, who was severely disabled, died last year at the age of six.
PA/Reuters